The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-07-07
THE MONEY-BAG.
A Russian Magistrate and a Mys-
terious Robbery.

The locomotive whistled, the bell rang,
the turning plaque resounded and the train
entered the station. The doors were un-
locked and the passengers, one after anoth-
or, descended; NJ. Cato alone did not move,
but stationed at the door of his coach re-
garded the passengers upon the platform
without paying the slightest attention to
the officials who offered him their services.
sHis crava united, his coat unbuttoned and
his mouth wide open, you would have said
that he had been unable to close it after ut
tering a frightful cry
Little by little, however, NJ. Cato came
to himself, enough so at least to shut his
mouth and frantically call for the chef de
gGre. An employe soon arrived, and it was
not exactly an amiable look that he cast
upon this gray and fat traveller leaning from
the window of the compartment.
Il insist upon your descending" he said
in his most administrative manner; ''the
train does not go any further
Il will not descend" :" the traveller replied.
desperately, ''that is, not until have made
a statement, an official statement, before
witnesses"
''What is that you wish to state!" de-
manded the chef de gdre, now present, and
also furious with this obstinate passenger.
That have been robbed ~
"Impossibler cried the chef
''Alas, it has only been too possible
sighed NJ. Cato, striving to see over his
shoulder and to examine his back; it is no
longer there"
'What is no longer therel'
my money-bag-it has disappeared and
with it the ten thousand florins it con-
tanned"
sgTar tI,ouson5 Ao-;,s Fro,, ,,-ho-. - -
howf'
''Ah, if only knew, groaned the robbed
one; ''for, monsieur lie chef, this money
was not mine; was carrying it to my pro-
prietaire, and can not, for the sake of nv
honor, until now without stain, descend
from this carriage until have made a
deposition before witnesses of the robbery
OF which am the victim. Therefore, beg
that you will call a commissioner of police
and two witnesses"
''If you are determined upon ii, :" replied
the employe who had first arrived, and who
had begun to be interested in the story, tiI
will be one Of your witnesses and the chef
here the other. There's a commits sioner
now; relate to him what has happened to
you"
And NJ. Cato, leaning still further from
the window, began his deposition
''In the first place your name" said the
commissioner.
"Eernard Cato; am steward of his
Highness, NJ. Dyonis Siraglyai. Yesterd ay
evening"
'tReligioni" demanded the officer, uu-
willing to loose his hold.
Roman Catholic; but as there is no
priest in our village, / frequently go to the
Protestant pastor to play a"
Married or singler said the commits
sioner, cutting short these religious conf
dences.
Married, and we celebrated our silver
wedding year ago. Yesterday even
ing"
''Stop! One thing at time. Have you
childrenr
blessings" responded Cato, Indignantly;
1--WE have no heirs"
mo heirs" repeated the commissioner,
while the two witnesses looked at each
other and coughed significantly: 'tthat's a
very doubtful statement-howevef. never
mind, go on with your story"
yesterday evening"" Cato continued.
tI received dispatch from his Highness
telling me that he wanted ten thousand
forins Immediately. We were right in the
midst OF supper when it came, celebrating
the fete Of my wife, who is named Juli-
enne-"
30, finish your supper and go on to the
robbery" cried the officer impatiently.
But can't, monsieur; I am very sorry,
but can't for all this took place during
supper. The dispatch arrived while we
were eating the third course, and there
were still three tn come-so I say to YOU
that it burst like bombshell in the midst
of our feast The notary had drank the
health of my wife for the fourth time-we
had all drunk tive were happy-when.
behold, that telegram came. L will carry
the money myself said to my wife, for
i must speak with his Grace on business
so be it, she replied, it is best you should,
but take care of your health, and, above
all, do not lose the money Never fear,
my angel said to her, never fear that 1
shall lose it; we will put it in leathern
bag, and i will strap it on my back Not
zoe tight interrupted my wife. you've
eaten great deal, and 'twould make you
sick Well, We got up from the table and